Nearby Issues

20 Comments

Laura(Guest)

I own a salon on this block. I have a huge problem with this.I have a handicapped client who has two appointments per week. If it is rainy, or worse, snowy or icy. I am constantly in fear that she will fall.

I emailed Malinda Figueroa at the city Engineering Department about this a couple days ago and here’s what she said:

“As the CB (catch basin) is not at a low point water just runs down the gutter to the next one in heavy rain. All the CBs in the area were cleaned about 6 weeks back by McVac. One was missed as it had a car parked over it. McVac will have another go at it in the next six weeks to see if they can clean it.”

fromexperience(Guest)

If you do not report it DIRECTLY to Ian Juden in the Engineering Department nothing will get done. Make sure you cc Richard Miller as complaints seem to get lost in this department. 203-946-6417. Only speak to Ian Juden- the other people that answer the phone CLAIM to note your complaint, but it never gets to Mr. Juden.

I recommend a WRITTEN followup email to R. Miller -you can get it off the city's website. They are good about cleaning out the catch basins once Engineering recognizes that there is a pending complaint.

Also, put the City on notice by filing a notice of municipal defect with the clerks office- this may help your neighbor if they need to put in a claim against the City. There is no charge for this filing.

We did attempt a repair a few weeks ago, and found that this problem was greater than originally thought. The pipe leaving the catch basin is collapsed, and the storm sewer is on the opposite side of the road. Numerous utility lines are blocking our ability to repair the existing line or run a new one. We are exploring other options to fix the issue and hope to find a permanent repair in the next few months, after the new budget is approved and more funds are available.

Please be aware, the problem is (in part) exacerbated due to illegal dumping of grease and oil into the catch basin. We found a very thick layer of grease at the bottom of the basin. This slows the portion of water that can escape into the native soils from draining. If anyone sees grease being dumped into the catch basin please contact the Department of Public Works to report it (203)946-7700.